Father plead not guilty to killing own son

BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- The 18-year old father plead not guilty to killing his three month old baby this past November. Dustin Brown of Bangor made his first appearance in court facing one count manslaughter.

Assistant Attorney General Richard Benson said, "the state's theory of the case as you can see in the affidavit in support of probably cause in this case is that there was traumatic head injury to the child. I don't want to comment on the specific mechanism of the injury in the case."

According to the police affidavit, Dustin brown told police "he was feeding Xander his bottle when he just went limp while earing and was unresponsive." Brown told investigators he did not witness or have any knowledge of any traumatic injury to the baby.

Testimony from Xander's mother and grandmother confirmed to police Brown was alone with the three-month old when he stopped breathing.

The affidavit goes on to describe the Medical Examiner's autopsy results. The cause of death was said to be "inflicted trauma." Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Margaret Greenwald told authorities she found Xander suffered from brain hemorrhages and bleeding on his optic nerves. These injuries are consistent with inflicted trauma.

Dr. Greenwald is also quoted in the affidavit saying "that a significant amount of physical force would be required to cause these injuries." The doctor also found that Brown's version of events are inconsistent with the injuries observed.

Brown will be held on $50,000 cash bail. The two parties will meet in early May to discuss if the case is ready to enter trial. If convicted, Brown could face up to 40 years in prison.